Creating a sustainable home that’s better for you and the planet doesn’t have to be a significant investment, and can actually be done by simply starting small.
On a global scale, we’ve become increasingly aware of our impact on the earth. We’re increasingly ditching plastic straws, chemical based gardening aids, and even consciously using our cars less. As such, it simply makes sense for us to turn our attention to our homes.
To be fair, there’s many people who are on the path to creating a sustainable home without even realising it. Practices such as composting, solar panels and even catching more rainwater all count, but what are some of the less well known factors that all contribute towards making a property more eco-friendly?
Five Ways To Make Your Home More Sustainable
In the simplest of definitions, environmental sustainability is classed as meeting our own needs without compromising the planet for future generations to ultimately do the same thing. In a nutshell, the concept is to not inflict any further damage to the earth than what we’ve already managed to do.
Unsurprisingly, it’s the building industry that consumes 36% of the world’s energy. Companies who are adopting greener practices are not only attracting a new type of client, but reducing their reliance on materials such as steel, cement and glass is also helping to speed up turnaround times while still cutting down on costs. On the domestic front, there’s plenty of ways for homeowners to do the same.
Embrace Solar Power – This is a big one, and many Australians have already jumped on the bandwagon purely for the economical benefits. Not only do solar panels have the potential to save you thousands of dollars on your electricity bill, but it’s a straightforward way for any homeowner to do their part in reducing our reliance on non-renewable energy.
Invest In Insulation – For the average Australian, heating and cooling methods account for approximately 40% of their annual electricity usage. While cranking the air conditioner is almost unavoidable at certain times of the year, your property’s insulation is one of the most effective methods for retaining the warmth during winter, and keeping your home cooler during summer.
Tackle Energy Efficiency – From light bulbs to fridges to microwaves, pay attention to the energy ratings of your appliances in an effort to reduce your consumption levels. Aside from the electrical additions to your home, energy efficiency can be boosted by sealing up any air leaks, cleaning your air conditioner, and even the collection of rainwater for your garden.
Aim For Air Quality – Did you know that if a piece of furniture or other indoor equipment has chemical treatments, that this can actually affect the toxicity of our indoor air? While most of us know that plants can be some of the best indoor air filters, even the right carpet can help to trap dust and other particles until the next time you get around to vacuuming.
Reduce Your Waste – Have you ever thought about how much rubbish your evening meal produces? To encourage an eco-friendly kitchen on a day to day basis, start making a conscious effort to recycle. That means splitting up your plastic and paper packaging for disposal, or keeping your fruit and vegetable scraps to make a garden compost – it all counts.
For some people, living in a sustainable home is about building one, while for others it’s about buying one. Ultimately, the property market indicates that sustainability is something that buyers are becoming increasingly aware of.
Should you be looking to sell your home or purchase a new one, enlisting the services of a free property advisor like ESPA can often be a game changer, and help you to make informed and educated decisions when it comes to the prospect of renovating to sell in 2022. As an example, your advisor would likely research the property, local agents, check the zoning, evaluate market conditions, and communicate clearly with you regarding all of your options – but where do you find one?
Take The Stress Out Of Selling Property
As a completely free service, Emergency Services Property Advisors provide property advisor services to Police, Fire, Ambulance and S.E.S personnel and their families right across Victoria.
Luke and the team at ESPA are passionate about providing support to some of Australia’s most valued public servants. Along with key industry insights, ESPA also works with a broad range of service providers linked to the real estate industry such as conveyancers, trades, legal practitioners and mortgage brokers.
If you are an emergency services worker looking to potentially buy or sell property in the future, please get in touch with Emergency Services Property Advisors today to discuss how we can turn your real estate dreams into reality, or call Luke directly on 0414 757 705.
